5 Places in America Where You Can Still See Wild Horses

Wild horses have long captured the imagination of people due to their freedom and untamed spirit.

In the United States, there are several places where you can still witness these magnificent creatures roaming free, much like they did centuries ago. Here are five places in America where you can still see wild horses:

1. Assateague Island National Seashore (Maryland and Virginia)

Location: Eastern Shore, Maryland, and Virginia

One of the most famous places to see wild horses in the U.S. is Assateague Island, a barrier island off the coasts of Maryland and Virginia. The Assateague Island wild horses, also known as the Chincoteague ponies, are a well-known herd that has lived on the island for centuries. These horses are believed to have descended from domesticated horses that either escaped or were released by early settlers.

• What to Expect: The horses are often seen grazing in the marshes, roaming the dunes, or along the beaches. They are an iconic part of the island’s wildlife, and visitors can watch them from a safe distance.
• Fun Fact: Each year, a famous event called the Chincoteague Pony Swim takes place, where some of these wild horses are rounded up and swim across a channel to be auctioned off for adoption.

2. Wild Horse Sanctuary (California)

Location: Shasta County, California

The Wild Horse Sanctuary in northern California is dedicated to preserving wild horses and burros that have been rescued from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) holding facilities. This 5,000-acre sanctuary offers a safe and open environment for these animals to live freely.

• What to Expect: The sanctuary is home to several herds of wild horses, and visitors can take guided tours to observe the horses in their natural habitat. The horses here are not only protected but are also part of a broader conservation effort to ensure their future.
• Fun Fact: The sanctuary works to promote the humane treatment of wild horses and has been a leader in advocating for wild horse protection on public lands.

3. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Herd Management Areas (Western U.S.)

Location: Various locations in the western United States, including Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, and Oregon

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages several Herd Management Areas (HMAs) across the western U.S. where wild horses live and roam. These areas are designated by the BLM to protect the natural habitat of wild horses and maintain sustainable populations.

• What to Expect: There are numerous Herd Management Areas across states like Nevada (which has the largest population of wild horses), Wyoming, and Oregon. Visitors can explore these regions to see herds of wild horses in the open desert, high plains, or mountainous terrains.
• Fun Fact: Nevada is home to the highest number of wild horses, with some estimates putting the population at over 50,000, making it one of the best places in the U.S. to see them.

4. Custer State Park (South Dakota)

Location: Black Hills, South Dakota

Custer State Park is a popular wildlife reserve in South Dakota, famous for its large herd of American bison, but it is also home to a group of wild horses that roam freely through the park’s prairies. The horses here are a mix of feral descendants from early ranching and some more recent introductions to maintain the breed.

• What to Expect: The wild horses in Custer State Park live in a natural and protected environment. They can often be seen grazing, running, and interacting with other wildlife in the park, such as bison, elk, and pronghorn.
• Fun Fact: Custer State Park hosts the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup, but you can also enjoy the sight of the wild horses during a scenic drive along the park’s Wildlife Loop Road.

5. The Pryor Mountains (Montana and Wyoming)

Location: Montana and Wyoming Border

The Pryor Mountains, which straddle the border between Montana and Wyoming, are home to one of the most famous wild horse herds in the United States—the Pryor Mountain Mustangs. This herd is believed to be descended from horses brought by Spanish explorers in the 16th century and has remained isolated for centuries, developing unique characteristics.

• What to Expect: The horses in the Pryor Mountains are known for their wild nature and historic significance. Visitors can take guided tours to spot the horses, which are often seen in the mountain valleys or grazing along the steep cliffs.
• Fun Fact: The Pryor Mountain Mustangs have been part of an ongoing preservation program, and the BLM has been working with organizations like the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center to monitor and protect the herd.